The U.S. Department of Agriculture has allocated $500 million to the Water and Environmental Grant Program (WEP) which provides loans and grants for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste and storm drainage facility projects in rural areas and cities and towns of 10,000 or less. WEP also offers grants to nonprofit organizations which provide technical assistance and training to assist rural communities with their water, wastewater and solid waste problems. Eligible projects include the construction, repair and expansion of water, wastewater, storm water and solid waste systems. Funds can be used for construction, land acquisition, legal fees, engineering fees, capitalized interest, equipment, initial operation and maintenance costs, project contingencies and any other cost that is determined by the Department Rural Development to be necessary for the completion of the project. Projects must be primarily for the benefit of rural users.
Eligible Applicants: Public bodies, non-profit organizations and recognized Indian Tribes.
No match is required for this source of funding.
Award Ceiling: 75 percent of the project cost.
This program takes applications on a continual basis.
Contact Information: Steven P. Troendl, 406 585 2520, steve.troendle@mt.usda.gov